Baltimore residents don't see eye to eye with Visions Catering

Visions Catering and Banquet Hall is zoned as a catering establishment but some neighbors said it operates more like a nightclub.

Baltimore city is trying to do to end the dispute this has been going on for about a year. Some at City Hall, who have intervened, said it is one of the most contentious zoning issues they've handled.

The owner of the business in Hamilton, Northeast Baltimore and some of the facility's neighbors aren't seeing eye to eye.

"It hasn't been fun by a long shot. It's been a struggle. If I could have walked away I would have, but if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything," Vision Catering Owner Linda Brown said.

Nearby homeowners are also standing their ground. Complaints from the community include large crowds and loud noise.

"Parking is horrendous. If you don't get home within a specific time you don't have a place to park," resident Pam Wallace said.

The building was formerly an American Legion Hall. The basement bar was transformed into a child care facility. Brown said she has tried to work with the community. Signs in the facility ask patrons to exit quietly and leave the neighborhood immediately after an event.

"I've asked them repeatedly, 'What is it that you want? What do you want?'" Brown asked.

The dispute started in February 2010 after her home, which was on the property, burned down. Then, in December 2010, after an event had ended, someone began shooting outside the banquet hall. A 25-year-old man was killed.

Questions arose about the hall's licenses, permits and the groups being allowed to rent the facility. To end the festering issues, Councilman Robert Curran is offering conditions that call for the banquet hall to close at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

"I think the fair chance is to allow these folks to operate there," Curran said.

The maximum capacity will be set at 200, a long-term parking arrangement mandating off-street parking for 25 or more cars and one to four security guards depending on the number of guests if alcoholic beverages are advertised, dispensed or sold.

"Who is going to maintain this? Who baby-sits these amendments?" Wallace asked.

Brown said she will comply with the conditions.

"The neighbors are opposed," Curran said. "If the stringent conditions are violated there is an avenue to revoke the use of the property."

Those conditions will be considered on Oct. 3 during a hearing of the City Council's land use and transportation committee before going to the full City Council.